Handpicked family activity holidays in Northern France:

The choice of things to do in Northern France with kids and ways to spend quality time together is vast, whether you’re looking to educate with some history and culture or to get them out in the fresh air – or ideally, a mixture of the two.

Northern France is blessed with green family cycle routes. Some of the best are in the Somme Bay, a sustainable Grand Site de France where sights include seals basking on sand-banks and docile local Hensons perfect for family horse-rides. Many of the bay’s 46km of cycle paths were specially designed for families. While you’re near Boulogne-sur-mer, make sure to take kids to Nausicaà, the largest aquarium in Europe.

There are also several theme parks in Northern France perfect for keeping the kids entertained. Disneyland Paris is the most famous, but Parc Astérix just 50 minutes away is also a winner. Inspired by the comic strips about the rivalry between the Gauls and Romans, it also references ancient Greece and Egypt.

Antiquity-inspired rides and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle aside, there’s more history-based fun to be had at the fairy-taleChâteau de Pierrefonds, location for the BBC’s Merlin.

Meanwhile, foodie families enjoy visiting some of the area’s fascinating cheese farms. The region is also full of greatfamily campsites perfect as bases forfamily activity holidays in France.

Ever thought about getting local advice from insiders when you go on holidays? Well, that's exactly what this is all about. We invite you to get information directly from Hauts-de-France locals, knowledgeable visitors, tourism professional and guides, and you can use this information to help you plan your next stay in Northern France.